The Atlas Travel Flyers Soared Through the Jimmy Fund Walk Finish Line

On Sunday, September 27th, our community outreach team – ReachOut – geared up for an amazing cause – the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk. Our team, the Atlas Travel Flyers, walked to support the Dana-Farber CancerInstitute in Boston Massachusetts, spread awareness, and raise money to find a cure for cancer.

The weather was as close to perfect as possible for this walk – it turned out to be a brisk and sunny fall day, ideal for walking a long distance through the city of Boston. Every Atlas participant had nothing but wonderful things to say after the event:

Ellen Orkin (Direct Sales Specialist) remarked, “I liked walking the Boston Marathon route – it’s such a piece of our fabric here, and though I’ve cheered on runners from various locations along the route, it was really fun to walk the same path, experiencing the same landmarks and following the famous directions at the end: ‘Right on Hereford, left on Boylston.’”

The entire event was full of positivity, encouragement and compassion. “It was amazing to see how many people supported the cause to cure Cancer. The teams were made up of companies like ours and also families and friends, it was truly inspiring,” Denise Kelly (Manager, Group Air) explained.

The Atlas Travel Flyershad a fantastic time. Walking gave all of the team members’ the opportunity to chat with each other in ways that they don’t normally get to do at work. It provided them with time to truly get to know each other in a casual and more personal, laid back situation that strengthened bonds. “I was surprised that it went by so quickly – lots of good conversation along the way. It was nice to be able to take in all of the scenery. When you’re walking you notice so much more around you, and those neighborhoods are all very nice,” said Quentin Carmichael III (Manager, Program Management). “And Theresa Ryan (Sr. Director, Program Management) is a machine! Every place we stopped she was doing some kid of calisthenics, jumping up on curbs, and doing squats. If anybody needs to do the 26.2 next year, it’s her! Mimi Cleary (VP, Supplier Relations & Strategic Sourcing) was the closest fastest walker; she was out in front the whole time too.” Theresa Ryan is also a fitness instructor which showed as she was making sure everyone was hydrated and well stretched throughout the walk.

“This walk is such a great cause because it hits close to home with everyone. Besides our own staff members we have lost to cancer, have had cancer, or have cancer now, we all know people who have died from cancer or are suffering from cancer. This is a great cause for Atlas to support because everyone can identify with this devastating disease,” expressed Mimi Cleary (VP, Supplier Relations & Strategic Sourcing).

This year, we had 19 participants from Atlas Travel, and exceeded our company goal of raising $6,000 by raising a total of over $9,000 for the Jimmy Fund!

“I would like the thank everyone who participated in the walk and also those who donated to our fundraising campaign. As our first ReachOut organized team event, I think it was not only a huge success but also a lot of fun for everyone involved. I am very proud to have been part of the Atlas Travel Flyers team and I am also proud to have Atlas be part of such an incredible and important event. I’m excited to see the impact we have at the Jimmy Fund Walk next year!”
–Elaine Osgood, President & CEO